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Riyadh Ministry of Health reports three news MERS-CoV cases

The Riyadh Ministry of Health announced the confirmation of three new cases of the novel Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus on September 27.

The MOH reported three cases, all of which occurred in persons older than 50 years of age who are currently receiving treatment in the intensive care unit at their local health care facilities.

The new cases occurred in an 87-year-old female who was suffering from chronic diseases before the infection, a 53-year-old female who was suffering from health diseases prior to infection and a 63-year-old man who was suffering from chronic diseases prior to infection.

MERS-CoV is a respiratory infection, known to cause fever, cough, shortness of breath and death to its victims, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There have been 130 cases of MERS-CoV since it was first discovered, including 58 deaths.

All of the cases reported to date have been linked, either directly or indirectly, to the Arabian Peninsula, primarily stemming from Saudi Arabia. The virus has shown to spread from person-to-person in intimate settings, but does not show sustainment.

The CDC is currently monitoring the progression of the virus. It does not recommend travel restrictions at this time.